Copyright Directive: Nefarious upload filters strike back

14 February 2019
by eub2 -- last modified 14 February 2019

The closed-doors "trilogue" discussions on the copyright Directive finalised last night with an agreement that supports upload filters.

The copyright Directive was originally aimed at modernising the copyright framework, but the current text has fallen short of those expectations. Instead, it forced the implementation of upload filters and brought only minor improvements in other areas. The proposal could lead to unlawful restrictions on freedom of speech and reduce access to knowledge.

"The secret negotiations ended with the worst version of the 'censorship machine' we've seen so far. Citizens need to react, once again, to prevent these upload filters that threaten our freedom of expression from becoming reality," said Diego Naranjo, Senior Policy Advisor at European Digital Rights (EDRi).

The vote on the final text will likely be cast in the European Parliament plenary during late March or early April. We will continue to push for a substantial reform of the flawed provisions in the run-up to the vote. EDRi calls on everyone committed to a free and uncensored internet to raise their voice and contact Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) through the #SaveYourInternet campaign.

European Digital Rights (EDRi) is a not-for-profit association of digital civil rights organisations. Its objectives are to promote, protect and uphold civil rights online.

European Digital Rights (EDRi)